We Are IH: KGH doctor finds the art of medicine is ever-evolving

June 15, 2023

Dr. Benade at her destination wedding in Mexico, June 2022.

Name: Elizabeth Benade (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Family physician and hospitalist
Years of Service: 6
Worksite: Glenvalley Medical Clinic and Kelowna General Hospital (KGH)
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx/Okanagan
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” — Albert Schweitzer

Born and raised in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Dr. Elizabeth Benade completed her medical studies in South Africa. She moved to Brandon, Man. in 2009, where she completed the LMCC I & II and CCFP examinations to gain full registration in Canada. Despite returning to South Africa in 2013, Dr. Benade continued to work in Canada doing locum work in Brandon until 2017 when she relocated to Kelowna, B.C., which she now calls home.

Dr. Benade is now a family physician and hospitalist based at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). She describes herself as determined, caring and passionate about helping others.

In this Story…

Learn more about Dr. Benade’s journey with IH

Explore physician Careers@IH

Learn more about Dr. Benade’s journey with IH

Two women with short blonde hair, smiling, wearing blue tops and jeans, with three dogs: a Spaniel, Yorkie and Maltese. — The family at home, L-R: Madison (Spaniel), Dr. Benade, Noah (Yorkie), Tracy, Austin (Maltese).

Dr. Benade loves working as a family physician and hospitalist.

The art of medicine is an always-changing, evolving, improving and exciting field to practice in. On a daily basis, I realize that I will never know it all. I find it stimulating and exciting knowing that the chapter that I learn today will save someone's life tomorrow.

-- Dr. Elizabeth Benade (she/her/hers)

There are many moments that Dr. Benade has treasured during her career at Interior Health. One that specifically stands out is the Silver Lining Award she received as recognition for the compassionate care she provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As great as it was to feel recognized, it was a humbling experience to realize how the small deeds we do during our day-to-day encounters with patients affects them and their loved ones’ lives.”

Two women wearing blue ball caps, carrying hiking polls and backpacks, with trees in the background. — Tracy and Dr. Benade on the West Coast Trail in 2021.

When she’s not on the job, Dr. Benade enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her loved ones, immersed in activities such as hiking, biking, trail running, backpacking and overland camping during the summer. In the winter, she’s likely to be out in the snow, skiing or snowshoeing. She’s into various types of watersports and likes to play recreational touch rugby and soccer. She also loves to travel and explore new places, and is looking forward to her next travelling adventure.

Something people may not guess about Dr. Benade is that she secretly enjoys watching the Bachelor and the Bachelorette reality TV series!

Wedding photo of two women wearing white suits, each holding a bouquet of flowers and two women wearing red dresses, with family holding champagne glasses, and an ocean background. — Family at the wedding in Mexico, June 2022 L-R: Marle (sister), Nico (nephew), Laurika (niece), Dr. Benade, Tracy, Veronica (niece), Nico (brother-in-law) and Laurika (mother).

Explore physician Careers@IH

Have you thought about a career as a physician at IH?

Explore career opportunities

3 Minute Read

Community & Culture

We Are IH: Physiotherapist lives by principles he teaches

Glenn Charbonneau has always had a passion for human movement, but it wasn’t until an encounter that he felt compelled to get into physiotherapy.

/stories/we-are-ih-physiotherapist-lives-principles-he-teaches

5 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

Caregiving can be challenging — but “absolutely beautiful”

Elizabeth has been caring for her son Anakin his whole life, who was born at 22 weeks. She's a proud caregiver & wants to share her story with other caregivers.

/stories/caregiving-can-be-challenging-absolutely-beautiful

3 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

Cleaning a shed, attic, cabin or barn? Protect against hantavirus

Hantavirus is a rare but serious disease caused by inhaling hantaviruses in old rodent droppings or urine. Learn how to protect yourself while cleaning.

/stories/cleaning-shed-attic-cabin-or-barn-protect-against-hantavirus

4 Minute Read

Community & Culture, Health & Wellness

Where to get care: Getting extra help at home

There may come a time in life where there will be a need for extra help with living at home. A wide range of services are available to you through IH.

/stories/where-get-care-getting-extra-help-home

6 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

What’s in your kit? Packing emergency kits or grab-and-go bags

Your emergency kit should always include critical supplies like water, food, and a wind-up radio, but you can also add items that are unique to your situation.

/stories/whats-your-kit-packing-emergency-kits-or-grab-and-go-bags